Javier Reyes does not believe in down time, it seems. As Animals As Leaders are on a bit of a hiatus, the guitarist has went ahead and written and recorded his own solo album. The project is called Mestís and the debut five-song EP, Basal Ganglia is set for release on November 27th through Sumerian Records. Here is what Javier had to say about the EP:
Basal Ganglia is an EP that come from several places, and by places, I mean influences. I’ve always wanted to create a style of music that focused on being emotionally exploitive and technically sound, yet simple enough for the average music listener to appreciate. Another influence was using the eight string guitar in a form that is unconventional to the 'trends' or independent of characteristics that are found in music styles/genres that have popularized it. Another and important reason was to create a true form of my own independent voice as an artist. To create music that expressed my personality, upbringing, emotions and musical taste.
He's not kidding, the credits on the album include AAL drummer Matt Garstka handling drum programming, percussionist Hector Barez and trombone player David Stout, who has worked with Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson. That's quite the eclectic lineup. Here is a preview of what's to come with the EP:
